Circuit board

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure is directed to a circuit board having a first electrically insulating layer, a first imaged metal layer and a first polyimide coverlay comprising a polyimide derived from 80 to 90 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 10 to 20 mole % 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and 100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine. An adhesive layer is not present between the first imaged metal layer and the first polyimide coverlay.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to a circuit board. More specifically, the circuit board comprises a polyimide coverlay.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Metal clad laminates for circuit board construction are constructed by laminating a polyimide film to a metal foil with an adhesive layer in between. The adhesive layer may consist of conventional adhesives (acrylates, epoxides, polyamides, phenolic resins, etc.) where the adhesive is cured during the metal foil lamination. However, these conventional adhesives do not usually possess the high temperature heat stability of the base polyimide dielectric, and the strength of the adhesive bonds in the multiplayer laminate structure deteriorates rapidly when subjected to elevated temperatures. These adhesives also show high electric loss in high speed circuit layers due to the high loss tangent of these adhesives.

As electronic packaging becomes more sophisticated and the desire for thinner, smaller, light weight, flexible, electronic components with low CTE, low moisture absorption, high temperature heat stability and high modulus have necessitated the elimination of the adhesive layer.

One means to an adhesiveless laminate is to coat a high modulus polyimide film core layer with a thin layer of polyamic acid precursor solution on both sides, dry this layer, and finally imidize the applied coating to create a thermoplastic polyimide. Copper foil is then laminated with heat and pressure to create a double sided copper clad laminate.

A polyimide precursor can also be coated directly onto copper foil and then cured to create a polyimide film with copper foil on one side. This is a common method of making adhesiveless copper clad films but can create polyimide clads with copper on just one side. Another method of making adhesiveless polyimide copper clad laminates is to start with a standard rigid polyimide base film. A thin metal layer is deposited, typically by sputtering or vapor deposition to improve adhesion between the metal and the polyimide. Then the copper is electroplated up to the required thickness to create a double sided copper clad laminate.

Each of these suffers from one or more of the following disadvantages: requisite additional steps as opposed to lamination of a metal foil(s) to polyimide film, inferior adhesion of the metal foil to the polyimide when an adhesive is used, multiple layers of polyimide add to overall the thickness of the construction.

For the forgoing reasons, a need exists for polyimide films that can be directly laminated/adhered to metal foils without using an adhesive to providing thinner, flexible electronic components with low CTE, low moisture absorption, high temperature heat stability while maintaining good mechanical and electrical properties.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Definitions

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a method, process, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited only to those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such method, process, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

Also, use of the “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components of the invention. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

The term “dianhydride” as used herein is intended to include precursors, derivatives or analogs thereof, which may not technically be a dianhydride but would nevertheless react with a diamine to form a polyamic acid which could in turn be converted into a polyimide.

The term “diamine” as used herein is intended to include precursors, derivatives or analogs thereof, which may not technically be a diamine but would nevertheless react with a dianhydride to form a polyamic acid which could in turn be converted into a polyimide.

The term “polyamic acid” as used herein is intended to include any polyimide precursor material derived from a combination of dianhydride and diamine and capable of conversion to a polyimide.

The term “film” as used herein is intended to mean a free-standing film or a (self-supporting or non-self-supporting) coating. The term “film” is used interchangeably with the term “layer”.

The term “chemical conversion” or “chemically converted” as used herein denotes the use of a catalyst (accelerator) or dehydrating agent (or both) to convert the polyamic acid to polyimide and is intended to include a partially chemically converted polyimide which is then dried at elevated temperatures to a solids level greater than 98%.

The term “metal” as used herein is intended to include elemental metals and metal alloys.

The term “direct contact” as used herein is intended to mean that layers are in contact with one another at their interface and an intervening layer, such as an adhesive layer, is not present.

When an amount, concentration, or other value or parameter is given as either a range, preferred range or a list of upper preferable values and lower preferable values, this is to be understood as specifically disclosing all ranges formed from any pair of any upper range limit or preferred value and any lower range limit or preferred value, regardless of whether ranges are separately disclosed. Where a range of numerical values is recited herein, unless otherwise stated, the range is intended to include the endpoints thereof, and all integers and fractions within the range. Numerical values are to be understood to have the precision of the number of significant figures provided. For example, the number 1 shall be understood to encompass a range from 0.5 to 1.4, whereas the number 1.0 shall be understood to encompass a range from 0.95 to 1.04, including the end points of the stated ranges. It is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited to the specific values recited when defining a range.

In describing certain polymers it should be understood that sometimes applicants are referring to the polymers by the monomers used to make them or the amounts of the monomers used to make them. While such a description may not include the specific nomenclature used to describe the final polymer or may not contain product-by-process terminology, any such reference to monomers and amounts should be interpreted to mean that the polymer is made from those monomers, unless the context indicates or implies otherwise.

The materials, methods, and examples herein are illustrative only and, except as specifically stated, are not intended to be limiting. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used, suitable methods and materials are described herein.

The present disclosure is directed to a thermoset polyimide film that can be directly adhered to metal and have good peel strength without the need for an additional adhesive layer. Good peel strength for copper clad laminate, for the purpose of this disclosure, is at least 1 N/mm. Good peel strength for a coverlay or a bondply, for the purpose of this disclosure, is 0.7 to 2 N/mm.

In some embodiments, a polyimide film (polyimide layer or polyimide coverlay or polyimide bondply or electrically insulating layer) comprises a polyimide derived from 80 to 90 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 10 to 20 mole % 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and 100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine and is capable of directly adhering to metal and other polymers at lamination temperatures from 340 to 400° C.

In some embodiments, a polyimide film (polyimide layer or polyimide coverlay or polyimide bondply or electrically insulating layer) comprises a polyimide derived from 80 to 90 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 10 to 20 mole 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and 100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine and is capable of directly adhering to metal and other polymers at lamination temperatures of at least 340, 350, 380, 395 or 400° C.

Thus the thermoset polyimides of the present disclosure are useful for any application where direct adherence of a polyimide to metal is beneficial and thin, flexible electronic components with low CTE, low moisture absorption are desired such as, but not limited to, metal clad laminates, coverlays and bondplys.

Polyimide Metal Clad Laminate

One embodiment of the present disclosure is a polyimide metal clad laminate of comprising a metal foil and a polyimide layer. The polyimide layer having a first side and a second side, the first side in direct contact with the metal foil, the polyimide layer comprising: a polyimide derived from 80 to 90 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 10 to 20 mole % 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and 100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine. The polyimide metal clad laminate does not have an adhesive layer between the metal foil and the polyimide layer. The polyimide metal clad laminate has a peel strength of at least 1.0 N/mm and in some embodiments 1 to 3 N/mm, as measured in accordance with IPC-TM-650-2.4.9d, when the metal foil and the polyimide layer are laminated together at a temperature of 340° C. or greater and a pressure from 150 psi (10.55 Kg/cm) to 400 psi (28.13 Kg/cm).

In some embodiments, the polyimide is derived from between and including any two of the following: 80, 85 and 90 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride, between and including any two of the following 10, 15 and 20 mole 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and 100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine.

In some embodiments, the polyimide metal clad laminate further comprises a second metal foil in direct contact with the second side of the polyimide layer and wherein the polyimide metal clad laminate does not have an adhesive layer between the second metal foil and the polyimide layer.

In some embodiments, wherein the metal foil, the second metal foil or both are copper.

In some embodiments, the polyimide metal clad laminate comprises:

-   -   a. a metal foil;     -   b. a polyimide layer having a first side and a second side, the         first side in direct contact with the metal foil, the polyimide         layer comprising: a polyimide derived from 80 to 90 mole %         3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 10 to 20 mole %         4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and 100 mole %         2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine; and     -   c. a second metal foil;     -   wherein the polyimide metal clad laminate does not have an         adhesive layer between the metal foil and the polyimide layer;         and wherein the polyimide metal clad laminate has a peel         strength of at least 1.0 N/mm, as measured in accordance with         IPC-TM-650-2.4.9d, when the metal foil and the polyimide layer         are laminated together at a temperature of 340° C. or greater         and a pressure from 150 psi (10.55 Kg/cm) to 400 psi (28.13         Kg/cm). In some embodiments, the polyimide metal clad laminate         is laminated together at a temperature of 340 to 400° C.

It is surprising the polyimides of the present disclosure have good peel strength with metals, and with imaged metal having exposed polymer areas where the metal was removed, without the need for an adhesive when laminated at temperatures from 340 to 400° C. The polyimide layer maintains a good balance of mechanical and electrical properties as well as low CTE. Not all low Tg polyimides have good peel strength, balance of properties and low CTE.

Desirable electrical properties and mechanical properties will depend on the desired end use that the material will be used for. Ordinary skill and experimentation may be necessary in fine tuning properties for desired end use. Generally, good machine direction (MD) tensile modulus is greater than 2.75 GPa, MD tensile strength is greater than 125 MPa, MD elongation is greater than 25%, water uptake less than 1.5%, dielectric constant at 100 Hz less than 3.5 and loss tangent below 0.006.

Another advantage of a single layer of polyimide having the ability to directly adhere to metal foil is film thickness uniformity can be more easily controlled for thicknesses less than 25 microns via a single slot casting die than a multilayer casted film which relies on a sophisticated layer combining system. All polyimide metal clad laminates can be made with 3 layers; a rigid thermoset polyimide core and thin thermoplastic polyimide coatings (adhesive) on both sides of the polyimide core. However, it is difficult to control the thickness of the thin coatings, plus is requires much more complicated manufacturing methods to make 3 layer film.

Another advantage of a single layer of polyimide film of the present disclosure is that it produces the properties expected of metal (copper) clad laminate with a rigid polyimide core and also produces adhesion to metal foil (copper foil) similar to a thermoplastic polyimide. Good adhesion to metal foil could be achieved with an all thermoplastic polyimide film. However, the all thermoplastic films would have large CTE values (>50) that are unacceptable for metal clad laminates. Also the dimensional stability is poor.

Another advantage is that thinner polyimide films can be made allowing for higher thermal conductivity while maintaining electrical properties.

In some embodiments the polyimide layer (of the polyimide metal clad laminate) is from, between and including any two of the following: 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 26, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100 and 105 microns thick. In some embodiments, the polyimide layer is from 2 to 26 micron thick. In some embodiments, the polyimide layer is from 27 to 105 micron thick.

In some embodiments, the polyimide layer comprises from 1 to 55 weight percent of thermally conductive filler, dielectric fillers or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the metal foil is copper and the polyimide layer comprises from 1 to 55 weight percent of a thermally conductive filler, dielectric fillers or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the metal foil, the second metal foil or both are copper and the polyimide layer comprises from 1 to 55 weight percent of a thermally conductive filler, dielectric fillers or mixtures thereof.

The polyimide of the present disclosure can be made by any known thermal conversion or chemical conversion method for making polyimide films or filled polyimide films. In some embodiments, it is desirable to use chemical conversion due to the advantages chemical conversion over thermal conversion such as but not limited to, lower CTE and films are matte on both sides even when cast on to a smooth surface.

In some embodiments, the polyimide layer can be a free standing film that is then directly adhered to metal foil, on one or both sides, using nip roll lamination or vacuum press to form a metal clad laminate. The nip roll or vacuum press must be capable of reaching the required temperature and pressure.

In some embodiments, a polyamic acid can be cast on to metal foil and cured. This process can produce very thin electrically insulating layers (dielectric layers). And optionally another metal foil can be adhered to the other side of the polyimide layer using a nip roll process or vacuum press, capable of reaching the required temperature and pressure.

In some embodiment, the polyimide film can be a free standing film that is then directly adhered to metal foil, on one or both sides, using nip roll lamination or vacuum press to form a metal clad laminate.

Metal Foil—Polyimide Metal Clad Laminate

In some embodiments, the metal foil is elemental metal. In some embodiments, the metal foil is a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the metal foil is copper. In some embodiments, the metal alloy comprises 50 to 72 weight % nickel. In another embodiment, the metal alloy comprises 50 to 72% weight % nickel an 14 to 24 weight % Chromium. In some embodiments, the metal foil is aluminum.

In some embodiments, the polyimide metal clad laminate further comprises a second metal foil in direct contact with the second side of the polyimide layer and wherein the polyimide metal clad laminate does not have an adhesive layer between the second metal foil and the polyimide layer.

In some embodiments, the second metal foil is elemental metal. In some embodiments, the second metal foil is a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the second metal foil is copper. In some embodiments, the metal alloy comprises 50 to 72 weight % nickel. In another embodiment, the metal alloy comprises 50 to 72% weight nickel an 14 to 24 weight % Chromium. In some embodiments, the metal foil is aluminum.

In some embodiments, the metal foil is from 5 to 72 microns thick. In some embodiments, the metal foil is between and including any two of the following: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 and 72 microns thick. In some embodiments, the metal foil is surface treated to improve adhesion to electrically insulating layers.

In some embodiments, the second metal foil is from 5 to 72 microns thick. In some embodiments, the second metal foil is between and including any two of the following: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 and 72 microns thick. In some embodiments, the second metal foil is surface treated to improve adhesion to electrically insulating layers.

Circuit Board

One embodiment of the present disclosure is a circuit board, comprising:

-   -   a. a first electrically insulating layer having a first side and         a second side;     -   b. a first imaged metal layer;     -   c. a first polyimide coverlay comprising a polyimide derived         from 80 to 90 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic         dianhydride, 10 to 20 mole % 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and         100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine. The first         polyimide coverlay is in direct contact with the first imaged         metal layer and exposed areas of the first side of the first         electrically insulating layer. An adhesive layer is not present         between the first imaged metal layer and the first polyimide         coverlay. The first polyimide coverlay has a peel strength from         0.7 to 2 N/mm, as measured in accordance with IPC-TM-650-2.4.9d,         when the first polyimide coverlay is laminated to the first         imaged metal layer and exposed areas of the first side of the         first electrically insulating layer at a lamination temperature         from 340° C. or greater and a pressure from 150 psi (10.55         Kg/cm) to 400 psi (28.13 Kg/cm). The first electrically         insulating layer is any electrically insulating material that         can withstand the lamination temperature of 340° C. or greater.

The advantages are the same as the polyimide metal clad laminate. The first polyimide coverlay has good peel strength with imaged metal having exposed polymer areas where the metal was removed, without the need for an adhesive when laminated at temperatures from 340° C. or greater. In some embodiments, the circuit board is laminated together at a temperature of 340 to 400° C.

In another embodiment, the circuit board further comprises a second imaged metal layer on the second side of the first electrically insulating layer. In another embodiment, the circuit board further comprises a second polyimide coverlay comprising a polyimide derived from 80 to 90 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 10 to 20 mole % 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and 100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine and is in direct contact with the second imaged metal layer and exposed areas of the second side of the first electrically insulating layer. An adhesive layer is not present between the second imaged metal layer and the second polyimide coverlay. The second polyimide coverlay has a peel strength from 0.7 to 2 N/mm, as measured in accordance with IPC-TM-650-2.4.9d, when the second polyimide coverlay is laminated to the second imaged metal layer and the exposed areas of the second side of the first electrically insulating layer at a lamination temperature from 340° C. or greater and a pressure from 150 psi (10.55 Kg/cm) to 400 psi (28.13 Kg/cm).

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the circuit board comprises in the following order:

a. a first imaged metal layer;

b. a first electrically insulating layer having a first side and a second side; the first side of the first electrically insulating layer is next to the first imaged metal layer;

c. a second imaged metal layer; the second side of the first electrically insulating layer is next to the second imaged metal layer;

d. a polyimide bondply comprising a polyimide derived from 80 to 90 mole 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 10 to 20 mole % 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and 100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine;

e. a third imaged metal layer;

f. a second electrically insulating layer having a first side and a second side; the first side of the second electrically insulating layer is next to the third imaged metal layer;

g. a fourth imaged metal layer; the second side of the second electrically insulating layer is next to the fourth imaged metal layer. The polyimide bondply is in direct contact with the second imaged metal layer and exposed areas of the second side of the first electrically insulating layer; and in direct contact with the third imaged metal layer and exposed areas of the first side of the second electrically insulating layer. The polyimide bondply has a peel strength from 0.7 to 2 N/mm as measured in accordance with IPC-TM-650-2.4.9d, when

i) the first imaged metal layer, the first electrically insulating layer and the second image metal layer;

ii) the polyimide bondply; and

iii) the third imaged metal layer, the second electrically insulating layer and the fourth imaged metal layer

are laminated at a lamination temperature of 340° C. or greater and a pressure from 150 psi (10.55 Kg/cm) to 400 psi (28.13 Kg/cm). The first electrically insulating layer and the second electrically insulating layer are any electrically insulating material that can withstand the lamination temperature of 340° C. or greater.

The advantage of the bondply of the present disclosure is the bondply has good peel strength with imaged metal having exposed electrically insulating layers areas where the metal was removed, without the need for an adhesive when laminated at temperatures from 340° C. or greater. In some embodiments, the circuit board is laminated together at a temperature of 340 to 400° C.

In some embodiments, the polyimide bondply comprises from 1 to 55 weight percent of a thermally conductive filler, dielectric fillers or mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the circuit board further comprises an adhesive and a coverlay wherein the adhesive is between and in direct contact with the first imaged metal layer and the coverlay. In such embodiments the circuit board comprises in the following order:

-   -   a. a coverlay;     -   b. a adhesive;     -   c. a first imaged metal layer;     -   d. a first electrically insulating layer having a first side and         a second side; the first side of the first electrically         insulating layer is next to the first imaged metal layer;     -   e. a second imaged metal layer; the second side of the first         electrically insulating layer is next to the second imaged metal         layer;     -   f. a polyimide bondply comprising a polyimide derived from 80 to         90 mole 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 10 to 20         mole % 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and 100 mole %         2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine;     -   g. a third imaged metal layer;     -   h. a second electrically insulating layer having a first side         and a second side; the first side of the second electrically         insulating layer is next to the third imaged metal layer;     -   i. a fourth imaged metal layer; the second side of the second         electrically insulating layer is next to the fourth imaged metal         layer. The polyimide bondply is in direct contact with the         second imaged metal layer and exposed areas of the second side         of the first electrically insulating layer; and in direct         contact with the third imaged metal layer and exposed areas of         the first side of the second electrically insulating layer.

In another embodiment, the circuit board further comprises:

i) a adhesive and a coverlay wherein the adhesive is between and in direct contact with the first imaged metal layer and the coverlay; and

ii) a second adhesive and a second coverlay wherein the second adhesive is between and in direct contact with the fourth imaged metal layer and the second coverlay. In such embodiments the circuit board comprises in the following order:

-   -   a. a coverlay;     -   b. a adhesive;     -   c. a first imaged metal layer;     -   d. a first electrically insulating layer having a first side and         a second side; the first side of the first electrically         insulating layer is next to the first imaged metal layer;     -   e. a second imaged metal layer; the second side of the first         electrically insulating layer is next to the second imaged metal         layer;     -   f. a polyimide bondply comprising a polyimide derived from 80 to         90 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 10 to         20 mole % 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and 100 mole %         2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine;     -   g. a third imaged metal layer;     -   h. a second electrically insulating layer having a first side         and a second side; the first side of the second electrically         insulating layer is next to the third imaged metal layer;     -   i. a fourth imaged metal layer; the second side of the second         electrically insulating layer is next to the fourth imaged metal         layer.     -   j. a second adhesive;     -   k. a second coverlay         The polyimide bondply is in direct contact with the second         imaged metal layer and exposed areas of the second side of the         first electrically insulating layer; and in direct contact with         the third imaged metal layer and exposed areas of the first side         of the second electrically insulating layer.

The adhesive and the second adhesive can be any traditional adhesive used to bond a coverlay to an imaged metal layer when the coverlay is added after the circuit board is formed. The circuit board can have any number of imaged metal layers and electrically insulating layers. In some embodiments, two imaged metal layers separated by an electrically insulating layer can be called a clad or metal clad. And number of these clads can be adhered to each other via the polyimide bondply of the present disclosure.

The coverlay and the second coverlay can be any traditional coverlay material. Ordinary skill and experimentation may be necessary in selecting the combinations of the coverlay material and the appropriate traditional adhesive.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the circuit board comprises in the following order:

a. a first polyimide coverlay comprising a polyimide derived from

-   -   i) 80 to 90 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic         dianhydride, 10 to 20 mole % 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and         100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine; or     -   ii) 100 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride,         20 to 90 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine, and 10 to         80 mole % 4,4′-oxydianiline;

b. a first imaged metal layer;

c. a first electrically insulating layer having a first side and a second side; the first side of the first electrically insulating layer is next to the first imaged metal layer;

d. a second imaged metal layer; the second side of the first electrically insulating layer is next to the second imaged metal layer;

e. a polyimide bondply comprising a polyimide derived from 80 to 90 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 10 to 20 mole % 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and 100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine;

f. a third imaged metal layer;

g. a second electrically insulating layer having a first side and a second side; the first side of the second electrically insulating layer is next to the third imaged metal layer

h. a fourth imaged metal layer; the second side of the second electrically insulating layer is next to the fourth imaged metal layer; and

i. a second polyimide coverlay comprising a polyimide derived from

-   -   i) 80 to 90 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic         dianhydride, 10 to 20 mole % 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and         100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine; or     -   ii) 100 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride,         20 to 90 mole 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine, and 10 to 80         mole % 4,4′-oxydianiline.         The polyimide bondply is in direct contact with the second         imaged metal layer and exposed areas of the second side of the         first electrically insulating layer; and in direct contact with         the third imaged metal layer and exposed areas of the first side         of the second electrically insulating layer. The polyimide         bondply has a peel strength from 0.7 to 2 N/mm as measured in         accordance with IPC-TM-650-2.4.9d, when

i) the first imaged metal layer, the first electrically insulating layer and the second imaged metal layer;

ii) the polyimide bondply; and

iii) the third imaged metal layer, the second electrically insulating layer and the fourth imaged metal layer

are laminated at a lamination temperature of 340° C. or greater and a pressure from 150 psi (10.55 Kg/cm) to 400 psi (28.13 Kg/cm). The first polyimide coverlay is in direct contact with the first imaged metal layer and exposed areas of the first side of the first electrically insulating layer; wherein the second polyimide coverlay is in direct contact with the fourth imaged metal layer and exposed areas of the second side of the second electrically insulating layer; and wherein the first electrically insulating layer and the second electrically insulating layer are any electrically insulating material that can withstand the lamination temperature of 340° C. or greater.

Imaged Metal Layers—Circuit Board

In some embodiments, the first imaged metal layer, the second imaged metal layer, the third imaged metal layer or the fourth imaged metal layer is elemental metal. In some embodiments, the first imaged metal layer, the second imaged metal layer, the third imaged metal layer or the fourth imaged metal layer is a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the first imaged metal layer, the second imaged metal layer, the third imaged metal layer or the fourth imaged metal layer is copper. In some embodiments, the metal alloy comprises 50 to 72 weight % nickel. In another embodiment, the metal alloy comprises 50 to 72% weight % nickel an 14 to 24 weight % Chromium. In some embodiments, the first imaged metal layer, the second imaged metal layer, the third imaged metal layer or the fourth imaged metal layer is aluminum.

In some embodiments, the first imaged metal layer, the second imaged metal layer, the third imaged metal layer or the fourth imaged metal layer is from 5 to 72 microns thick. In some embodiments, the first imaged metal layer, the second imaged metal layer, the third imaged metal layer or the fourth imaged metal layer is between and including any two of the following: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 and 72 microns thick. In some embodiments, the first imaged metal layer, the second imaged metal layer, the third imaged metal layer or the fourth imaged metal layer is surface treated to improve adhesion to electrically insulating layers.

In some embodiments, the first imaged metal layer, the second imaged metal layer, the third imaged metal layer and the fourth imaged metal layer are made by imaging a metal foil/metal layer with a photoresist and copper etching to created imaged metal layers having lines of different widths using standard procedures in the flexible printed circuit board industry.

Polyimide Coverlay(s)—Circuit Board

In some embodiments, the first polyimide coverlay comprises a polyimide derived from i) 80 to 90 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 10 to 20 mole % 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and 100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine; or ii) 100 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 20 to 90 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine, and 10 to 80 mole % 4,4′-oxydianiline.

In some embodiments, the second polyimide coverlay comprises a polyimide derived from i) 80 to 90 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 10 to 20 mole % 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and 100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine; or ii) 100 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 20 to 90 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine, and 10 to 80 mole % 4,4′-oxydianiline.

The polyimide coverlays of the present disclosure have good peel strength to imaged metal layers and exposed electrically insulating layers areas where the metal was removed, without the need for an adhesive when laminated at temperatures from 340° C. or greater. In some embodiments, the circuit board is laminated together at a temperature of 340 to 400° C.

The polyimide coverlays of the present disclosure can be made by any known thermal conversion or chemical conversion method for making polyimide films or filled polyimide films. In some embodiments, it is desirable to use chemical conversion due to the advantages chemical conversion over thermal conversion such as but not limited to, lower CTE and films are matte on both sides even when cast on to a smooth surface.

In some embodiments, it is desirable for a coverlay to have optical properties which provide security against unwanted visual inspection and tampering of the electronic components. In some embodiments, the optical density (opacity) desirable (e.g., to hide the conductor traces in the flex circuits from view) is greater than or equal to 2. An optical density of 2 is intended to mean 1×10⁻² or 1% of light is transmitted through the film. The optical density is measured with a Macbeth TD904 optical densitometer. The optical density can be increased by making a thicker coverlay. This is undesirable since the trend is for coverlays to be increasingly thin. The optical density can be increased by adding filler. In some embodiments a pigment is added is increase the optical density. In some embodiments, a matting agent is added to increase the optical density. In some embodiments a combination of pigment and matting agents can be added.

In some embodiments, the pigment is a low conductivity carbon black. In some embodiments, the pigment is a non-carbon black pigment.

Virtually any pigment (or combination of pigments) can be used. In some embodiments, a low conductivity carbon black is used. Low conductivity carbon black is intended to mean, channel black or furnace black. In some embodiments, the low conductivity carbon black is a surface oxidized carbon black. One method for assessing the extent of surface oxidation (of the carbon black) is to measure the carbon black's volatile content. The volatile content can be measured by calculating weight loss when calcined at 950° C. for 7 minutes. Generally speaking, a highly surface oxidized carbon black (high volatile content) can be readily dispersed into a polyamic acid solution (polyimide precursor), which in turn can be imidized into a (well dispersed) filled polyimide polymer of the present disclosure. It is thought that if the carbon black particles (aggregates) are not in contact with each other, then electron tunneling, electron hopping or other electron flow mechanism are generally suppressed, resulting in lower electrical conductivity. In some embodiments, the low conductivity carbon black has a volatile content greater than or equal to 1%. In some embodiments, the low conductivity carbon black has a volatile content greater than or equal to 5, 9, or 13%. In some embodiments, furnace black may be surface treated to increase the volatile content. In some embodiments a bone black is used.

In some embodiments, the first polyimide coverlay comprises a pigment. In some embodiments, the second polyimide coverlay comprises a pigment. In another embodiment, the first polyimide coverlay and the second polyimide coverlay comprise a pigment. In another embodiment, the first polyimide coverlay, the second polyimide coverlay or both comprise a pigment.

In one embodiment, the pigment is a low conductivity carbon black present in an amount from 2 to 9 weight percent. In some embodiment, the pigment is a low conductivity carbon black present in amount between and optionally including any two of the following: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 weight percent of the first polyimide coverlay. In some embodiment, the pigment is a low conductivity carbon black present in amount between and optionally including any two of the following: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 weight percent of the second polyimide coverlay.

In another embodiment, the pigment is a non-carbon black pigment present in an amount from 10 to 60 weight percent. In another embodiment, the pigment is a non-carbon black pigment present in an amount between and optionally including any two of the following: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 weight percent of the first polyimide coverlay. In another embodiment, the pigment is a non-carbon black pigment present in an amount between and optionally including any two of the following: 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 weight percent of the second polyimide coverlay.

In some embodiments, the first polyimide coverlay comprises a pigment and a matting agent. In some embodiments, the second polyimide coverlay comprises a pigment and a matting agent. In some embodiments, the first polyimide coverlay, the second polyimide coverlay or both comprise a pigment and a matting agent. In some embodiments, the first polyimide coverlay and the second polyimide coverlay comprise a pigment and a matting agent. In one embodiment, the matting agent is polyimide particles. In another embodiment, the pigment and the matting agent are both a low conductivity carbon black and the low conductivity carbon black is present in the first polyimide coverlay in an amount from 2 to 20 weight percent of the first polyimide coverlay. In another embodiment, the pigment and the matting agent are both a low conductivity carbon black and the low conductivity carbon black is present in the second polyimide coverlay in an amount from 2 to 20 weight percent of the second polyimide coverlay. In another embodiment, the pigment and the matting agent are both a low conductivity carbon black and the low conductivity carbon black is present in the first polyimide coverlay in an amount from 2 to 20 weight percent of the first polyimide coverlay and present in the second polyimide coverlay in an amount from 2 to 20 weight percent the second polyimide coverlay.

In some embodiments, useful non-carbon black pigments include but are not limited to the following: Barium Lemon Yellow, Cadmium Yellow Lemon, Cadmium Yellow Lemon, Cadmium Yellow Light, Cadmium Yellow Middle, Cadmium Yellow Orange, Scarlet Lake, Cadmium Red, Cadmium Vermilion, Alizarin Crimson, Permanent Magenta, Van Dyke brown, Raw Umber Greenish, or Burnt Umber. In some embodiments, useful black pigments include: cobalt oxide, Fe—Mn—Bi black, Fe—Mn oxide spinel black, (Fe,Mn)2O3 black, copper chromite black spinel, lampblack, bone black, bone ash, bone char, hematite, black iron oxide, micaceous iron oxide, black complex inorganic color pigments (CICP), CuCr2O4 black, (Ni,Mn,Co)(Cr,Fe)2O4 black, Aniline black, Perylene black, Anthraquinone black, Chromium Green-Black Hematite, Chrome Iron Oxide, Pigment Green 17, Pigment Black 26, Pigment Black 27, Pigment Black 28, Pigment Brown 29, Pigment Black 30, Pigment Black 32, Pigment Black 33 or mixtures thereof.

Electrically Insulating Layer(s)—Circuit Board

In some embodiments, the first electrically insulating layer comprises a polyimide derived from

-   -   i) 80 to 90 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic         dianhydride, 10 to 20 mole % 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and         100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine;     -   ii) 100 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride,         20 to 90 mole 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine, and 10 to 80         mole % 4,4′-oxydianiline; or     -   iii) 100 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride,         100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine when laminated at         a temperature of 380 or greater.

In some embodiments, the second electrically insulating layer comprises a polyimide derived from

-   -   i) 80 to 90 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic         dianhydride, 10 to 20 mole % 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and         100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine;     -   ii) 100 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride,         20 to 90 mole 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine, and 10 to 80         mole % 4,4′-oxydianiline; or     -   iii) 100 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride,         100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine when laminated at         a temperature of 380 or greater.

The electrically insulating layers derived from 80 to 90 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 10 to 20 mole % 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and 100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine or 100 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 20 to 90 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine, and 10 to 80 mole % 4,4′-oxydianiline or 100 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine have good peel strength to imaged metal layers and exposed areas of the underlying layers where the metal was removed, without the need for an adhesive when laminated at temperatures from 340° C. or greater. In some embodiments, the circuit board is laminated together at a temperature of 340 to 400° C.

The above disclosed polyimide electrically insulating layers can be made by any known thermal conversion or chemical conversion method for making polyimide films or filled polyimide films. In some embodiments, it is desirable to use chemical conversion due to the advantage of lower CTE films.

In one embodiment, the first electrically insulating layer is in direct contact with the first imaged layer and the exposed areas of the first polyimide coverlay.

In another embodiment, the first electrically insulating layer is in direct contact with the first imaged layer and the exposed areas of the first polyimide coverlay and in direct contact with the second imaged layer and the exposed areas of the second polyimide coverlay. In such embodiments the circuit board comprises in the following order:

-   -   a. a second polyimide coverlay comprising a polyimide derived         from 80 to 90 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic         dianhydride, 10 to 20 mole % 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and         100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine;     -   b. a second imaged metal layer;     -   c. a first electrically insulating layer comprising a polyimide         derived from 80 to 90 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic         dianhydride, 10 to 20 mole 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and 100         mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine     -   d. a first imaged metal layer; and     -   e. a first polyimide coverlay comprising a polyimide derived         from 80 to 90 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic         dianhydride, 10 to 20 mole % 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and         100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine.

In another embodiment, the first electrically insulating layer is direct contact with the first imaged metal layer, the second imaged metal layer and exposed areas of the polyimide bondply. In another embodiment, the second electrically insulating layer is direct contact with the fourth imaged metal layer, the third imaged metal layer and exposed areas of the polyimide bondply.

In one embodiment the circuit board comprises in the following order:

a. a first polyimide coverlay comprising a polyimide derived from

-   -   i) 80 to 90 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic         dianhydride, 10 to 20 mole % 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and         100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine; or     -   ii) 100 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride,         20 to 90 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine, and 10 to         80 mole % 4,4′-oxydianiline;

b. a first imaged metal layer;

c. a first electrically insulating layer comprising a polyimide derived from

-   -   i) 80 to 90 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic         dianhydride, 10 to 20 mole % 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and         100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine;     -   ii) 100 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride,         20 to 90 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine, and 10 to         80 mole % 4,4′-oxydianiline; or     -   iii) 100 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride,         100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine when laminated at         a temperature of 380 or greater;

d. a second imaged metal layer; the second side of the first electrically insulating layer is next to the second imaged metal layer;

e. a polyimide bondply comprising a polyimide derived from 80 to 90 mole 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 10 to 20 mole % 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and 100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine;

f. a third imaged metal layer;

g. a second electrically insulating layer comprising a polyimide derived from

-   -   i) 80 to 90 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic         dianhydride, 10 to 20 mole % 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and         100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine;     -   ii) 100 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride,         20 to 90 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine, and 10 to         80 mole % 4,4′-oxydianiline; or     -   iii) 100 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride,         100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine when laminated at         a temperature of 380 or greater;

h. a fourth imaged metal layer; the second side of the second electrically insulating layer is next to the fourth imaged metal layer; and

i. a second polyimide coverlay comprising a polyimide derived from

-   -   i) 80 to 90 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic         dianhydride, 10 to 20 mole % 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and         100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine; or     -   ii) 100 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride,         20 to 90 mole 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine, and 10 to 80         mole % 4,4′-oxydianiline;         wherein the polyimide bondply is in direct contact with the         second imaged metal layer and exposed areas of the second side         of the first electrically insulating layer; and in direct         contact with the third imaged metal layer and exposed areas of         the first side of the second electrically insulating layer;

In some embodiments, the first electrically insulating layer comprises from 1 to 55 weight percent of a thermally conductive filler, a dielectric filler or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the second electrically insulating layer comprises from 1 to 55 weight percent of a thermally conductive filler, a dielectric filler or mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the first electrically insulating layer and the second electrically insulating layer comprise from 1 to 55 weight percent of a thermally conductive filler, a dielectric filler or mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the polyimide bondply, the first polyimide coverlay, the second polyimide coverlay, the first electrically insulating layer, the second electrically insulating layer or any combination thereof comprises from 1 to 55 weight percent of a thermally conductive filler, dielectric fillers or mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the circuit board is made by taking a first polyimide coverlay (if present), a double-sided clad (first imaged metal layer, first electrically insulating layer and a second imaged metal layer), bondply, a second double-sided clad (third imaged metal layer, second electrically insulating layer and a fourth imaged metal layer) and a second polyimide coverlay (if present) and laminating at lamination temperature of 340 to 400° C. and a pressure from 150 psi (10.55 Kg/cm) to 400 psi (28.13 Kg/cm) using a vacuum platen press.

EXAMPLES

The materials, methods, and examples herein are illustrative only and, except as specifically stated, are not intended to be limiting.

The glass transition temperatures of the polyimide films of the present invention were determined using a TA Instruments 2980 dynamic mechanical analyzer. The Tg measurement method used a sampling frequency of about 1.0 Hz (an amplitude of about 10.0 μm) and a pre-load force of about 0.01 N. A temperature ramp rate of about 5° C. min-1 was used.

The Tg was measured at the peak of the tan 8

Tensile Modulus was determined by ASTM D-882.

Tensile strength was determined by ASTM D-882

Elongation was determined by by ASTM D-882

Dielectric Constant was measured as described in ASTM D150, “Standard Test Methods for AC Loss Characteristics and Permittivity (Dielectric Constant) of Solid Electrical Insulation”. The composite film dielectric constant was calculated based on the measured capacitance of the 2.5 cm diameter capacitors.

In-plane CTE of a polyimide films of the present invention were measured using a TA Instruments TMA 2940 thermal mechanical analyzer. The expansion of a film was measured between about 50° C. and about 250° C. on a second pass. The expansion was then divided by the temperature difference (and sample length) to obtain the CTE in ppm ° C.-1. The first pass was used to remove shrinkage from the sample over the same temperature range as well as to dry out the sample. As such, the second pass then provided a CTE value characteristic of the film's inherent properties (e.g. minus water absorption and the effect water would have on a film's CTE). This method employed a 0.05 N load force and operated within the above mentioned temperature range ramping temperature at a rate of about 10° C. per minute

Moisture absorption was determined by IPC-TM-650, Method 2.6.2.

Peel strength data reported in this application are the average of 8 to 12 measurements, consistent with requirement for statistically valid data per IPC-TM650 2.4.8d test method. The copper foil for the peel strength testing was 35 um thick roll annealed (RA) copper foil with pink treatment available from Somers Corporation.

Example 1 BPDA//TFMB

Example 1 shows that a polyimide derived from 100 mole % BPDA and 100 mole % TFMB has a peel strength of at least 1 N/mm when laminated at a temperature of 380° C. or greater.

Within a nitrogen inerted glovebox, 21.472 g (0.067 moles) of 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine (TFMB) and 159 grams of N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) were charged to a dried 250 milliliter jacketed beaker equipped with mechanical stirrer. The mixture was heated using recirculating 45° C. glycol-water for several minutes until the diamine had completely dissolved resulting in a near colorless solution. Next, 19.528 g (0.066 moles) of 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) was added to the diamine solution contained within the reaction vessel. Stirring was continued until all of the solids dissolved and the reaction formed a polyamic acid solution. The polyamic acid solution was decanted and stored at 0° C. until used for film casting.

A polyimide film derived from the above polyamic acid was chemically imidized through the use of a catalytic solution. The chemically imidized film was prepared by casting the polyamic acid solution onto a support sheet of DuPont MYLAR® film. The cast polyamic acid solution (and support sheet) was immersed into a catalytic solution comprising a 1:1 ratio of acetic anhydride and β-picaline. A gel film was formed. The gel film was peeled from the support sheet and transferred to a restraining frame (pin frame).

The gel film was then heated using a forced air oven to further imidize the polymer and remove solvent. The gel film was exposed to the following oven temperatures for about ½ hour at each temperature, 150° C., 250° C., 300° C. and 325° C. The polyimide film was removed from the pin frame and analyzed. The data is shown in Table 1.

Two sheets of the film were laminated between two sheets of 35 um thick treated copper foil in a vacuum platen press at 350 psi. The peel strength data was measured per IPC-TM650 2.4.9d test method. The data at different lamination peak temperatures are shown in Table 1.

Examples 2-12 show that a polyimide derived from 100 mole % BPDA, 20 to 90 mole % TFMB and 10 to 80 mole % 4,4′-ODA has a peel strength of at least 1 N/mm when laminated at a temperature of 330° C. or greater

Example 2 BPDA//90 TFMB/10 ODA

Within a nitrogen inerted glovebox, 19.711 g (0.0615 moles) of 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine (TFMB), 1.369 g (0.006 moles) 4,4′-oxydianiline, and 159 grams of N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) were charged to a dried 250 milliliter jacketed beaker equipped with mechanical stirrer. The mixture was heated using recirculating 45° C. glycol-water for several minutes until the diamine had completely dissolved resulting in a near colorless solution. Next, 19.919 g (0.0677 moles) of 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) was added to the diamine solution contained within the reaction vessel. Stirring was continued until all of the solids dissolved and the reaction formed a polyamic acid solution. The polyamic acid solution was decanted and stored at 0° C. until used for film casting.

A polyimide film derived from the above polyamic acid was chemically imidized through the use of a catalytic solution. The chemically imidized film was prepared by casting the polyamic acid solution onto a support sheet of DuPont MYLAR® film. The cast polyamic acid solution (and support sheet) was immersed into a catalytic solution comprising a 1:1 ratio of acetic anhydride and β-picaline. A gel film was formed. The gel film was peeled from the support sheet and transferred to a restraining frame (pin frame).

The gel film was then heated using a forced air oven to further imidize the polymer and remove solvent. The gel film was exposed to the following oven temperatures for about ½ hour at each temperature, 150° C., 250° C., 300° C. and 325° C. The polyimide film was removed from the pin frame and analyzed. The data is shown in Table 1.

Two sheets of the film were laminated between two sheets of 35 um thick treated copper foil in a vacuum platen press at 350 psi. The peel strength data was measured per IPC-TM650 2.4.9d test method. The data at different lamination peak temperatures are shown in Table 1.

Example 3 BPDA//80 TFMB/20 ODA

Within a nitrogen inerted glovebox, 17.879 g (0.0558 moles) of 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine (TFMB), 2.794 g (0.0139 moles) 4,4′-oxydianiline, and 159 grams of N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) were charged to a dried 250 milliliter jacketed beaker equipped with mechanical stirrer. The mixture was heated using recirculating 45° C. glycol-water for several minutes until the diamine had completely dissolved resulting in a near colorless solution. Next, 20.326 g (0.069 moles) of 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) was added to the diamine solution contained within the reaction vessel. Stirring was continued until all of the solids dissolved and the reaction formed a polyamic acid solution. The polyamic acid solution was decanted and stored at 0° C. until used for film casting.

A polyimide film derived from the above polyamic acid was chemically imidized through the use of a catalytic solution. The chemically imidized film was prepared by casting the polyamic acid solution onto a support sheet of DuPont MYLAR® film. The cast polyamic acid solution (and support sheet) was immersed into a catalytic solution comprising a 1:1 ratio of acetic anhydride and β-picaline. A gel film was formed. The gel film was peeled from the support sheet and transferred to a restraining frame (pin frame).

The gel film was then heated using a forced air oven to further imidize the polymer and remove solvent. The gel film was exposed to the following oven temperatures for about ½ hour at each temperature, 150° C., 250° C., 300° C. and 325° C. The film was removed from the pin frame and analyzed. The data is shown in Table 1.

Two sheets of the film were laminated between two sheets of 35 um thick treated copper foil in a vacuum platen press at 350 psi. The peel strength data was measured per IPC-TM650 2.4.9d test method. The data at different lamination peak temperatures are shown in Table 1.

Example 4 BPDA//70 TFMB/30 ODA

Within a nitrogen inerted glovebox, 15.971 g (0.0498 moles) of 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine (TFMB), 4.279 g (0.0213 moles) 4,4′-oxydianiline, and 159 grams of N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) were charged to a dried 250 milliliter jacketed beaker equipped with mechanical stirrer. The mixture was heated using recirculating 45° C. glycol-water for several minutes until the diamine had completely dissolved resulting in a near colorless solution. Next, 20.75 g (0.0705 moles) of 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) was added to the diamine solution contained within the reaction vessel. Stirring was continued until all of the solids dissolved and the reaction formed a polyamic acid solution. The polyamic acid solution was decanted and stored at 0° C. until used for film casting.

A polyimide film derived from the above polyamic acid was chemically imidized through the use of a catalytic solution. The chemically imidized film was prepared by casting the polyamic acid solution onto a support sheet of DuPont MYLAR® film. The cast polyamic acid solution (and support sheet) was immersed into a catalytic solution comprising a 1:1 ratio of acetic anhydride and β-picaline. A gel film was formed. The gel film was peeled from the support sheet and transferred to a restraining frame (pin frame).

The gel film was then heated using a forced air oven to further imidize the polymer and remove solvent. The gel film was exposed to the following oven temperatures for about ½ hour at each temperature, 150° C., 250° C., 300° C. and 325° C. The polyimide film was removed from the pin frame and analyzed. The data is shown in Table 1.

Two sheets of the film were laminated between two sheets of 35 um thick treated copper foil in a vacuum platen press at 350 psi. The peel strength data was measured per IPC-TM650 2.4.9d test method. The data at different lamination peak temperatures are shown in Table 1.

Example 5 BPDA//60 TFMB/40 ODA

Within a nitrogen inerted glovebox, 13.981 g (0.0436 moles) of 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine (TFMB), 5.827 g (0.0291 moles) 4,4′-oxydianiline, and 159 grams of N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) were charged to a dried 250 milliliter jacketed beaker equipped with mechanical stirrer. The mixture was heated using recirculating 45° C. glycol-water for several minutes until the diamine had completely dissolved resulting in a near colorless solution. Next, 21.192 g (0.0720 moles) of 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) was added to the diamine solution contained within the reaction vessel. Stirring was continued until all of the solids dissolved and the reaction formed a polyamic acid solution. The polyamic acid solution was decanted and stored at 0° C. until used for film casting.

A polyimide film derived from the above polyamic acid was chemically imidized through the use of a catalytic solution. The chemically imidized film was prepared by casting the polyamic acid solution onto a support sheet of DuPont MYLAR® film. The cast polyamic acid solution (and support sheet) was immersed into a catalytic solution comprising a 1:1 ratio of acetic anhydride and β-picaline. A gel film was formed. The gel film was peeled from the support sheet and transferred to a restraining frame (pin frame).

The gel film was then heated using a forced air oven to further imidize the polymer and remove solvent. The gel film was exposed to the following oven temperatures for about ½ hour at each temperature, 150° C., 250° C., 300° C. and 325° C. The resulting polyimide film was removed from the pin frame and analyzed. The data is shown in Table 1.

Two sheets of the film were laminated between two sheets of 35 um thick treated copper foil in a vacuum platen press at 350 psi. The peel strength data was measured per IPC-TM650 2.4.9d test method. The data at different lamination peak temperatures are shown in Table 1.

Example 6 BPDA//50 TFMB/50 ODA

Within a nitrogen inerted glovebox, 11.904 g (0.03717 moles) of 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine (TFMB), 7.442 g (0.0371 moles) 4,4′-oxydianiline, and 159 grams of N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) were charged to a dried 250 milliliter jacketed beaker equipped with mechanical stirrer. The mixture was heated using recirculating 45° C. glycol-water for several minutes until the diamine had completely dissolved resulting in a near colorless solution. Next, 21.654 g (0.0736 moles) of 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) was added to the diamine solution contained within the reaction vessel. Stirring was continued until all of the solids dissolved and the reaction formed a polyamic acid solution. The polyamic acid solution was decanted and stored at 0° C. until used for film casting.

A polyimide film derived from the above polyamic acid was chemically imidized through the use of a catalytic solution. The chemically imidized film was prepared by casting the polyamic acid solution onto a support sheet of DuPont MYLAR® film. The cast polyamic acid solution (and support sheet) was immersed into a catalytic solution comprising a 1:1 ratio of acetic anhydride and β-picaline. A gel film was formed. The gel film was peeled from the support sheet and transferred to a restraining frame (pin frame).

The gel film was then heated using a forced air oven to further imidize the polymer and remove solvent. The gel film was exposed to the following oven temperatures for about ½ hour at each temperature, 150° C., 250° C., 300° C. and 325° C. The film was removed from the pin frame and analyzed. The data is shown in Table 1.

Two sheets of the film were laminated between two sheets of 35 um thick treated copper foil in a vacuum platen press at 350 psi. The peel strength data was measured per IPC-TM650 2.4.9d test method. The data at different lamination peak temperatures are shown in Table 1.

Example 7 BPDA//43 TFMB/57 ODA

Into a dried 50 gallon tank, equipped with nitrogen inlet, three independently controlled agitator shafts; a low speed anchor mixer, a high speed disk disperser, and a high shear rotor-stator emulsifier, and thermocouple, was placed 10.10 kg (31.54 moles) of 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine (TFMB), 8.37 kg (41.81 moles) 4,4′-oxydianiline (ODA), and 159.6 kg of N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc).

The mixture was heated and stirred at 35° C. for several minutes until the diamines had completely dissolved resulting in a straw colored solution. The speeds of the anchor, disperser, and emulsifier are adjusted as needed to ensure efficient mixing and dissolution, without excessively heating the mixture. Next, 21.4 kg (72.84 moles) of 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) was added to the diamine solution within the reaction vessel. Stirring was continued until all of the solids dissolved and the reaction formed a polyamic acid solution. The viscosity of the resulting polyamic acid solution was adjusted by chain extension through an addition of a stoichiometric amount of 6 wt % PMDA solution in DMAc or alternatively an equivalent stoichiometric amount of BPDA solids so that the resulting solution had a viscosity of about 2000 poise. The finished solution is filtered through a 20 micron bag filter and vacuum degassed to remove entrained air. The polyamic acid solution was cooled to approximately −6° C., acetic anhydride dehydrating agent (0.14 cm³/cm³ polymer solution), the imidization catalyst 3-picoline (0.15 cm³/cm³ polymer solution) were metered in and mixed, and a film was cast using a slot die, onto a 90° C. hot, rotating drum. The resulting gel film was stripped off the drum and fed into a tenter oven, where it was dried and cured to a solids level greater than 98%, using convective and radiant heating.

Two sheets of the film were laminated between two sheets of 35 micron thick treated copper foil in a vacuum platen press at 350 psi. The peel strength data was measured per IPC-TM650 2.4.9d test method. The data at different lamination peak temperatures are shown in Table 1.

Two more sheets of film were laminated between two sheets of 35 micron thick treated copper foil in a vacuum platen press at 350 psi. The dimensional stability of these clads were measured per IPC-TM650 2.2.4c. The results are summarized in Table 2.

Example 8 BPDA//50 TFMB/50 ODA

Into a dried 50 gallon tank, equipped with nitrogen inlet, three independently controlled agitator shafts; a low speed anchor mixer, a high speed disk disperser, and a high shear rotor-stator emulsifier, and thermocouple was placed 11.56 kg (36.12 moles) of 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine (TFMB), 7.23 kg (36.12 moles) 4,4′-oxydianiline (ODA), and 159.6 kg of N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc). The mixture was heated and stirred at 35° C. for several minutes until the diamines had completely dissolved resulting in a straw colored solution. The speeds of the anchor, disperser, and emulsifier are adjusted as needed to ensure efficient mixing and dissolution, without excessively heating the mixture. Next, 21.1 kg (71.73 moles) of 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) was added to the diamine solution within the reaction vessel. Stirring was continued until all of the solids dissolved and the reaction formed a polyamic acid solution. The viscosity of the resulting polyamic acid solution was adjusted by chain extension through an addition of a stoichiometric amount of 6 wt % PMDA solution in DMAc or alternatively an equivalent stoichiometric amount of BPDA solids so that the resulting solution had a viscosity of about 1500 poise. Finally, a small amount of belt release agent was added to the polyamic acid solution (which enables the cast green film to be readily stripped from the casting belt) A thin polymer film was produced by extruding the film through a slot die onto a moving stainless steel belt. The belt passes into a convective oven, to evaporate solvent and partially imidizing the polymer, to produce a “green” film. Green film solids (as measured by weight loss upon heating to 300° C.) was ˜70%. The green film was then stripped off the casting belt and wound up. The green film was then fed into a tenter oven where it was dried and cured to a solids level greater than 98%, using convective and radiant heating to produce a fully cured polyimide film. During tentering, shrinkage was controlled by constraining the film along the edges.

Two sheets of the polyimide film were laminated between two sheets of 35 um thick treated copper foil in a vacuum platen press at 200 and 350 psi. The peel strength data was measured per IPC-TM650 2.4.9d test method. The data at different lamination peak temperatures are shown in Table 1.

Example 9 BPDA//43 TFMB/57 ODA

With the polyamic acid polymer solution prepared as described in example 7, a thin film was prepared by casting a portion of the solution onto a copper foil (12 um Mitsui 3EC-M35-HTE ED copper) using a doctor blade. The coated copper foil was then restrained within a clip frame film and heated using a forced air oven to remove the solvent and imidize the polymer. The film was exposed to the following oven temperatures for about ½ hour, 150° C., 250° C., and 330° C. The resulting single sided copper coated polyimide was then removed from the clip frame and then laminated to another sheet of copper foil of the same specification as described above in a vacuum platen press at 350 psi pressure and a temperature of 350° C. The peel strength data was measured per IPC-TM650 2.4.9d test method. The data is shown in Table 1.

Example 10 Prophetic BPDA//50 TFMB/50 ODA

Into a dried 50 gallon tank, equipped with nitrogen inlet, three independently controlled agitator shafts; a low speed anchor mixer, a high speed disk disperser, and a high shear rotor-stator emulsifier, and thermocouple is placed 11.56 kg (36.12 moles) of 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine (TFMB), 7.23 kg (36.12 moles) 4,4′-oxydianiline (ODA), and 159.6 kg of N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc).

The mixture is heated and stirred at 35° C. for several minutes until the diamines are completely dissolved resulting in a straw colored solution. The speeds of the anchor, disperser, and emulsifier can be adjusted as needed to ensure efficient mixing and dissolution, without excessively heating the mixture. Next, 21.1 kg (71.73 moles) of 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) is added to the diamine solution within the reaction vessel. Stirring is continued until all of the solids dissolved and the reaction forms a polyamic acid solution. The viscosity of the resulting polyamic acid solution is adjusted by chain extension through an addition of a stoichiometric amount of 6 wt % PMDA solution in DMAc or alternatively an equivalent stoichiometric amount of BPDA solids so that the resulting solution has a viscosity of about 2000 poise. The finished solution can be filtered through a 20 micron bag filter and vacuum degassed to remove entrained air. The polyamic acid solution is cooled to approximately −6° C., acetic anhydride dehydrating agent (0.14 cm³/cm³ polymer solution), the imidization catalyst 3-picoline (0.15 cm³/cm³ polymer solution) is metered in and mixed, and a film is cast using a slot die, onto a 90° C. hot, rotating drum. The resulting gel film is stripped off the drum and fed into a tenter oven, where it is dried and cured to a solids level greater than 98%, using convective and radiant heating.

Two sheets of the film are laminated between two sheets of 35 um thick treated copper foil in a vacuum platen press at 350 psi. It is expected that the laminate would have good peel strength measured per IPC-TM650 2.4.9d test method.

Example 11 BPDA//30 TFMB/70 ODA

Within a nitrogen inerted glovebox, 7.265 g (0.02268 moles) of 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine (TFMB), 10.598 g (0.0529 moles) 4,4′-oxydianiline, and 160 grams of N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) were charged to a dried 250 milliliter jacketed beaker equipped with mechanical stirrer. The mixture was heated using recirculating 45° C. glycol-water for several minutes until the diamine had completely dissolved resulting in a near colorless solution. Next, 22.137 g (0.0752 moles) of 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) was added to the diamine solution contained within the reaction vessel. Stirring was continued until all of the solids dissolved and the reaction formed a polyamic acid solution. The polyamic acid solution was decanted and stored at 0° C. until used for film casting.

A polyimide film derived from the above polyamic acid was chemically imidized through the use of a catalytic solution. The chemically imidized film was prepared by casting the polyamic acid solution onto a support sheet of DuPont MYLAR® film. The cast polyamic acid solution (and support sheet) was immersed into a catalytic solution comprising a 1:1 ratio of acetic anhydride and β-picaline. A gel film was formed. The gel film was peeled from the support sheet and transferred to a restraining frame (pin frame).

The gel film was then heated using a forced air oven to further imidize the polymer and remove solvent. The gel film was exposed to the following oven temperatures for about ½ hour at each temperature, 150° C., 250° C., 300° C. and 325° C. The polyimide film was removed from the pin frame and analyzed. The data is shown in Table 1.

Two sheets of the film were laminated between two sheets of 35 um thick treated copper foil in a vacuum platen press at 350 psi. The peel strength data was measured per IPC-TM650 2.4.9d test method. The data at different lamination peak temperatures are shown in Table 1.

Example 12 BPDA//20 TFMB/80 ODA

Within a nitrogen inerted glovebox, 5.358 g (0.0167 moles) of 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine (TFMB), 13.399 g (0.0669 moles) 4,4′-oxydianiline, and 172 grams of N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) were charged to a dried 250 milliliter jacketed beaker equipped with mechanical stirrer. The mixture was heated using recirculating 45° C. glycol-water for several minutes until the diamine had completely dissolved resulting in a near colorless solution. Next, 24.243 g (0.0824 moles) of 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) was added to the diamine solution contained within the reaction vessel. Stirring was continued until all of the solids dissolved and the reaction formed a polyamic acid solution. The polyamic acid solution was decanted and stored at 0° C. until used for film casting.

A polyimide film derived from the above polyamic acid was chemically imidized through the use of a catalytic solution. The chemically imidized film was prepared by casting the polyamic acid solution onto a support sheet of DuPont MYLAR® film. The cast polyamic acid solution (and support sheet) was immersed into a catalytic solution comprising a 1:1 ratio of acetic anhydride and β-picaline. A gel film was formed. The gel film was peeled from the support sheet and transferred to a restraining frame (pin frame).

The gel film was then heated using a forced air oven to further imidize the polymer and remove solvent. The gel film was exposed to the following oven temperatures for about ½ hour at each temperature, 150° C., 250° C., 300° C. and 325° C. The polyimide film was removed from the pin frame and analyzed. The data is shown in Table 1.

Two sheets of the film were laminated between two sheets of 35 um thick treated copper foil in a vacuum platen press at 350 psi. The peel strength data was measured per IPC-TM650 2.4.9d test method. The data at different lamination peak temperatures are shown in Table 1.

Example 13

Example 13 shows polyimides of the present disclosure have good conformation over circuitry and are useful as a coverlay.

A sheet of Pyralux® AP flexible copper clad laminate with 18 micron thick copper foil (available from DuPont) was imaged with photoresist and copper etching to created imaged copper foil lines of different widths using standard procedures in the flexible printed circuit board industry. The polymer created in example 7 (film thickness 32 microns) was laminated over the imaged circuit lines to form a coverlay over the imaged flexible circuit. The polyimide coverlay was laminated in a vacuum platen press at 350 psi and 320 C peak lamination temperature. The polyimide coverlay showed very good conformation over the circuitry with no air voids observed. The polyimide coverlay was able to cover the top of the circuitry with very little thinning.

Example 14

Example 14 shows polyimides of the present disclosure are have good peel strength when laminated at a temperature of 320° C.

Two sheets of Pyralux® AP flexible copper clad laminate (available from DuPont) was imaged with photoresist and copper etching to remove all of the copper foil from one side of the Pyralux® AP using processing common in the flexible printed circuit board industry. The polymer created in example 7 (50 um thick) was laminated between the between the two imaged Pyralux® AP clads where the dielectric surface of the AP clad was laminated to the polymer film of example 7. The polyimide film was laminated in a vacuum platen press at 350 psi and 320° C. peak lamination temperature. The peel strength between the AP dielectric surface and the polyimide film of example 7 was measured per IPC-TM650-2.4.9d. Peels strength of 1.4 N/mm between the AP dielectric and the polyimide film of example 7

Example 15

Example 15 shows polyimides of the present disclosure have good conformation over circuitry and are useful as a bondply.

Two sheets of Pyralux® AP flexible copper clad laminate with 18 micron thick copper foil (available from DuPont) were imaged with photoresist and copper etching to created imaged copper foil lines of different widths using standard procedures in the flexible printed circuit board industry. The polymer created in example 7 (film thickness of 100 microns) was laminated over the imaged circuit lines of the two imaged AP clads to form a bondply between the two imaged flexible circuits. The polyimide bondply was laminated in a vacuum platen press at 350 psi and 320 C peak lamination temperature. The polymer bondply showed very good conformation over the circuitry with no air voids observed. The polyimide bondply, was able to separate the circuitry on the two AP imaged laminates with very little thinning between the two imaged circuits.

Example 16

Example 16 shows that good peel strength is achieved with metal alloys.

Two sheets the film made in example 7 above were laminated between two sheets of Inconel® 600 metal alloy foil (25 microns thick), available from Ulrich. The peel strength data was measured per IPC-TM650 2.4.9d test method. An average peel strength of 1.8 N/mm was measured.

Comparative Example 1 BPDA//ODA

Comparative example 1 shows eliminating TFMB compromises properties, including peel strength.

Within a nitrogen inerted glovebox, 16.702 g (0.0834 moles) 4,4′-oxydianiline, and 159 grams of N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) were charged to a dried 250 milliliter jacketed beaker equipped with mechanical stirrer. The mixture was heated using recirculating 45° C. glycol-water for several minutes until the diamine had completely dissolved resulting in a near colorless solution. Next, 24.298 g (0.08266 moles) of 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) was added to the diamine solution contained within the reaction vessel. Stirring was continued until all of the solids dissolved and the reaction formed a polyamic acid solution. The polyamic acid solution was decanted and stored at 0° C. until used for film casting.

A polyimide film derived from the above polyamic acid was chemically imidized through the use of a catalytic solution. The chemically imidized film was prepared by casting the polyamic acid solution onto a support sheet of DuPont MYLAR® film. The cast polyamic acid solution (and support sheet) was immersed into a catalytic solution comprising a 1:1 ratio of acetic anhydride and β-picaline. A gel film was formed. The gel film was peeled from the support sheet and transferred to a restraining frame (pin frame).

The gel film was then heated using a forced air oven to further imidize the polymer and remove solvent. The gel film was exposed to the following oven temperatures for about ½ hour at each temperature, 150° C., 250° C., 300° C. and 325° C. The resulting polyimide film was removed from the pin frame and analyzed. The data is shown in Table 1.

Two sheets of the film were laminated between two sheets of 35 um thick treated copper foil in a vacuum platen press at 350 psi. The peel strength data was measured per IPC-TM650 2.4.9d test method. The data at different lamination peak temperatures are shown in Table 1.

Comparative Example 2 54BPDA/46PMDA//ODA

Comparative example 2 shows that even though the film can be thermoformed, it has poor adhesion to copper.

Within a nitrogen inerted glovebox, 18.225 g (0.0910 moles) 4,4′-oxydianiline, and 159 grams of N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) were charged to a dried 250 milliliter jacketed beaker equipped with mechanical stirrer. The mixture was heated using recirculating 45° C. glycol-water for several minutes until the diamine had completely dissolved resulting in a near colorless solution. Next, an admixture of 12.052 g (0.0409 moles) of 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) and 10.723 g (0.0492) pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) was added to the diamine solution contained within the reaction vessel. Stirring was continued until all of the solids dissolved and the reaction formed a polyamic acid solution. The polyamic acid solution was decanted and stored at 0° C. until used for film casting.

A polyimide film derived from the above polyamic acid was chemically imidized through the use of a catalytic solution. The chemically imidized film was prepared by casting the polyamic acid solution onto a support sheet of DuPont MYLAR® film. The cast polyamic acid solution (and support sheet) was immersed into a catalytic solution comprising a 1:1 ratio of acetic anhydride and β-picoline. A gel film was formed. The gel film was peeled from the support sheet and transferred to a restraining frame (pin frame).

The gel film was then heated using a forced air oven to further imidize the polymer and remove solvent. The gel film was exposed to the following oven temperatures for about ½ hour at each temperature, 150° C., 250° C., 300° C. and 325° C. The resulting polyimide film was removed from the pin frame and analyzed. The data is shown in Table 1.

Two sheets of the film were laminated between two sheets of 35 um thick treated copper foil in a vacuum platen press at 350 psi. The peel strength data was measured per IPC-TM650 2.4.9d test method. The data at different lamination peak temperatures are shown in Table 1.

Comparative Example 3 PMDA//TFMB

Comparative example 3 shows when BPDA is replaced with PMDA the polyimide is brittle and has poor peel strength.

Within a nitrogen inerted glovebox, 24.552 g (0.0767 moles) of 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine (TFMB) and 159 grams of N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) were charged to a dried 250 milliliter jacketed beaker equipped with mechanical stirrer. The mixture was heated using recirculating 45° C. glycol-water for several minutes until the diamine had completely dissolved resulting in a near colorless solution. Next, 16.55 g (0.0759 moles) of pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) was added to the diamine solution contained within the reaction vessel. Stirring was continued until all of the solids dissolved and the reaction formed a polyamic acid solution. The polyamic acid solution was decanted and stored at 0° C. until used for film casting.

A polyimide film derived from the above polyamic acid was chemically imidized through the use of a catalytic solution. The chemically imidized film was prepared by casting the polyamic acid solution onto a support sheet of DuPont MYLAR® film. The cast polyamic acid solution (and support sheet) was immersed into a catalytic solution comprising a 1:1 ratio of acetic anhydride and β-picoline. A gel film was formed. The gel film was peeled from the support sheet and transferred to a restraining frame (pin frame).

The gel film was then heated using a forced air oven to further imidize the polymer and remove solvent. The gel film was exposed to the following oven temperatures for about ½ hour, 150° C., 250° C., 300° C. and 325° C. The resulting polyimide film was removed from the pin frame and analyzed. The data is shown in Table 1.

Two sheets of the film were laminated between two sheets of 35 um thick treated copper foil in a vacuum platen press at 350 psi. The peel strength data was measured per IPC-TM650 2.4.9d test method. The data at different lamination peak temperatures are shown in Table 1.

Comparative Example 4 BPDA//50mTOL/50ODA

Comparative example 4 shows that replacing TFMB with a chemically similar diamine but with 2,2′-methyl benzidine functionality does not yield equivalent peel strength.

Within a nitrogen inerted glovebox, 8.77 g (0.0413 moles) of 2,2′-dimethyl-4,4′-diaminobiphenyl, 8.271 g (0.0413 moles) 4,4′-oxydianiline, and 159 grams of N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) were charged to a dried 250 milliliter jacketed beaker equipped with mechanical stirrer. The mixture was heated using recirculating 45° C. glycol-water for several minutes until the diamine had completely dissolved resulting in a near colorless solution. Next, 24.065 g (0.0818 moles) of 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) was added to the diamine solution contained within the reaction vessel. Stirring was continued until all of the solids dissolved and the reaction formed a polyamic acid solution. The polyamic acid solution was decanted and stored at 0° C. until used for film casting.

A polyimide film derived from the above polyamic acid was chemically imidized through the use of a catalytic solution. The chemically imidized film was prepared by casting the polyamic acid solution onto a support sheet of DuPont MYLAR® film. The cast polyamic acid solution (and support sheet) was immersed into a catalytic solution comprising a 1:1 ratio of acetic anhydride and β-picaline. A gel film was formed. The gel film was peeled from the support sheet and transferred to a restraining frame (pin frame).

The gel film was then heated using a forced air oven to further imidize the polymer and remove solvent. The gel film was exposed to the following oven temperatures for about ½ hour at each temperature, 150° C., 250° C., 300° C. and 325° C. The resulting polyimide film was removed from the pin frame and analyzed. The data is shown in Table 1.

Two sheets of the film were laminated between two sheets of 35 um thick treated copper foil in a vacuum platen press at 350 psi. The peel strength data was measured per IPC-TM650 2.4.9d test method. The data at different lamination peak temperatures are shown in Table 1.

Comparative Example 5 20PMDA/80ODPA//RODA

Comparative example 5 has poor mechanical properties.

Into a dried 50 gallon tank, equipped with nitrogen inlet, three independently controlled agitator shafts; a low speed anchor mixer, a high speed disk disperser, and a high shear rotor-stator emulsifier, and thermocouple was placed 20.02 kg (68.49 moles) of 1,3-bis(4-aminophenoxy)benzene (RODA) and 159.6 kg of N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc).

The mixture was heated and stirred at 35° C. for several minutes until the diamines had completely dissolved resulting in a straw colored solution. The speeds of the anchor, disperser, and emulsifier are adjusted as needed to ensure efficient mixing and dissolution, without excessively heating the mixture. Next, 16.99 kg (54.79 moles) of 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride (ODPA) and 2.88 kg (13.21 moles) pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) was added to the diamine solution within the reaction vessel. Stirring was continued until all of the solids dissolved and the reaction formed a polyamic acid solution. The viscosity of the resulting polyamic acid solution was adjusted by chain extension through an addition of a stoichiometric amount of 6 wt PMDA solution in DMAc or alternatively an equivalent stoichiometric amount of BPDA solids so that the resulting solution had a viscosity of about 2000 poise. The finished solution is filtered through a 20 micron bag filter and vacuum degassed to remove entrained air. The polyamic acid solution was cooled to approximately −6° C., acetic anhydride dehydrating agent (0.14 cm³/cm³ polymer solution), the imidization catalyst 3-picoline (0.15 cm³/cm³ polymer solution) were metered in and mixed, and a film was cast using a slot die, onto a 90° C. hot, rotating drum. The resulting gel film was stripped off the drum and fed into a tenter oven, where it was dried and cured to a solids level greater than 98%, using convective and radiant heating.

Two sheets of the film were laminated between two sheets of 35 um thick treated copper foil in a vacuum platen press at 350 psi. The peel strength data was measured per IPC-TM650 2.4.9d test method. The data at different lamination peak temperatures are shown in Table 1.

Two more sheets of film were laminated between two sheets of 35 um thick treated copper foil in a vacuum platen press at 350 psi. The dimensional stability of these clads were measured per IPC-TM650 2.2.4c. The results are summarized in Table 2.

Comparative Example 6 PMDA//ODA

Comparative example 6 has poor peel strength.

Two sheets of Kapton® H film (type 100PFC available from DuPont), a polyimide comprised of pyromellitic dianyhdride (PMDA) and 4,4′-oxydianiline (ODA), was obtained from E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company were laminated between two sheets of 35 um thick treated copper foil in a vacuum platen press at 350 psi. The peel strength data was measured per IPC-TM650 2.4.9d test method. The data at different lamination peak temperatures are shown in Table 1.

Comparative Example 7 60PMDA/40BPDA//40ODA/60PPD

Comparative example 7 has poor peel strength.

Two sheets of Kapton® E film (available from DuPont), a copolyimide comprised of pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA), 3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA), 4,4′-oxydianiline (ODA), and 1,4-phenylene diamine (PPD), was obtained from E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. were laminated between two sheets of 35 um thick treated copper foil in a vacuum platen press at 350 psi. The peel strength data was measured per IPC-TM650 2.4.9d test method. The data at different lamination peak temperatures are shown in Table 1.

Examples 17 and 18 show that a polyimide derived from 80-90 mole % BPDA, 10 to 20 mole % ODPA and 100 mole % TFMB has a peel of at least 1.3 N/mm when laminated at a temperature of 350° C. or greater.

Example 17 90 BPDA/10 ODPA//TFMB

Into a dried 250 mL jacketed beaker equipped with mechanical stirrer within an inerted nitrogen glovebox was placed 20.68 g (0.064 moles) of 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine (TFMB) and 156 g of N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc).

The mixture was heated and stirred at 40° C. for several minutes until the diamine had completely dissolved resulting in a straw colored solution. Next, 16.91 g (0.057 moles) of 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) and 1.41 g (0.006 moles) of 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride (ODPA) were added to the diamine solution within the reaction vessel.

Stirring was continued until all of the solids dissolved and the reaction formed a polyamic acid solution. The viscosity of the resulting polyamic acid solution was adjusted by chain extension through an addition of a stoichiometric amount of 6 wt PMDA solution in DMAc or alternatively an equivalent stoichiometric amount of BPDA solids so that the resulting solution had a viscosity of about 2000 poise. The solution was decanted and stored at 0° C. until used for film casting.

A polyimide film derived from the above polyamic acid was chemically imidized through the use of a catalytic solution. The chemically imidized film was prepared by casting the polyamic acid solution onto a sheet of DuPont MYLAR® film. The polymer (and support sheet) was immersed into a catalytic solution comprising a 1:1 ratio of acetic anhydride and β-picoline. Within minutes (upon partial imidization), a gel film was formed. The gel film was peeled from the support sheet and transferred to a restraining frame (pin frame).

The film was then heated using a forced air oven to further imidize the polymer and remove solvent. The film was exposed to the following oven temperatures for about ½ hour, 150° C., 250° C., and 330° C. The film was removed from the pin frame and analyzed.

Two sheets of the film were laminated between two sheets of 35 um thick treated copper foil in a vacuum platen press at 350 psi. The peel strength data was measured per IPC-TM650 2.4.9d test method. The data at different lamination peak temperatures are shown in Table 1.

Example 18 80 BPDA/20 ODPA//TFMB

Into a dried 200 mL jacketed beaker equipped with mechanical stirrer within an inerted nitrogen glovebox was placed 20.94 g (0.065 moles) of 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine (TFMB) and 156 g of N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc).

The mixture was heated and stirred at 40° C. for several minutes until the diamine had completely dissolved resulting in a straw colored solution. Next, 15.20 g (0.051 moles) of 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) and 2.85 g (0.013 moles) of 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride (ODPA) were added to the diamine solution within the reaction vessel.

Stirring was continued until all of the solids dissolved and the reaction formed a polyamic acid solution. The viscosity of the resulting polyamic acid solution was adjusted by chain extension through an addition of a stoichiometric amount of 6 wt % PMDA solution in DMAc or alternatively an equivalent stoichiometric amount of BPDA solids so that the resulting solution had a viscosity of about 2000 poise. The solution was decanted and stored at 0° C. until used for film casting.

A polyimide film derived from the above polyamic acid was chemically imidized through the use of a catalytic solution. The chemically imidized film was prepared by casting the polyamic acid solution onto a sheet of DuPont MYLAR® film. The polymer (and support sheet) was immersed into a catalytic solution comprising a 1:1 ratio of acetic anhydride and β-picoline. Within minutes (upon partial imidization), a gel film was formed. The gel film was peeled from the support sheet and transferred to a restraining frame (pin frame).

The film was then heated using a forced air oven to further imidize the polymer and remove solvent. The film was exposed to the following oven temperatures for about ½ hour, 150° C., 250° C., and 330° C. The film was removed from the pin frame and analyzed.

Two sheets of the film were laminated between two sheets of 35 um thick treated copper foil in a vacuum platen press at 350 psi. The peel strength data was measured per IPC-TM650 2.4.9d test method. The data at different lamination peak temperatures are shown in Table 1.

Comparative Example 8 60 BPDA/40 ODPA//TFMB

Comparative example 8 shows a film could not me made for testing when 40 mole percent of ODPA is used.

Within a nitrogen inerted glovebox, 23.912 g (0.0746 moles) of 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine (TFMB) and 179 grams of N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) were charged to a dried 250 milliliter jacketed beaker equipped with mechanical stirrer. The mixture was heated using recirculating 45° C. glycol-water for several minutes until the diamine had completely dissolved resulting in a near colorless solution. Next, 13.18 g (0.045 moles) of 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) and 9.03 g (0.029 moles) 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride (ODPA) was added to the diamine solution as an admixture contained within the reaction vessel. Stirring was continued until all of the solids dissolved and the reaction formed a polyamic acid solution. The polyamic acid solution was decanted and stored at 0° C. until used for film casting.

A polyimide film derived from the above polyamic acid was chemically imidized through the use of a catalytic solution. The chemically imidized film was prepared by casting the polyamic acid solution onto a support sheet of DuPont MYLAR® film. The cast polyamic acid solution (and support sheet) was immersed into a catalytic solution comprising a 1:1 ratio of acetic anhydride and β-picaline. A gel film was formed. The gel film was peeled from the support sheet and transferred to a restraining frame (pin frame).

The gel film was then heated using a forced air oven to further imidize the polymer and remove solvent. The gel film was exposed to the following oven temperatures for about ½ hour at each temperature, 150° C., 250° C., 300° C. and 325° C. A viable polyimide film to conduct testing on could not be obtained using this procedure due extreme wrinkling, curl, and tear-out from the restraining frame after cure.

Comparative Example 9 BPDA//10 TFMB/90 ODA

Comparative example 9 shows when 10 mole percent of TFMB is used the peel strength is low when laminated at 350 degrees C.

Within a nitrogen inerted glovebox, 2.675 g (0.00835 moles) of 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine (TFMB), 15.049 g (0.071 moles) 4,4′-oxydianiline, and 168 grams of N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) were charged to a dried 250 milliliter jacketed beaker equipped with mechanical stirrer. The mixture was heated using recirculating 45° C. glycol-water for several minutes until the diamine had completely dissolved resulting in a near colorless solution. Next, 24.27 g (0.083 moles) of 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (BPDA) was added to the diamine solution contained within the reaction vessel. Stirring was continued until all of the solids dissolved and the reaction formed a polyamic acid solution. The polyamic acid solution was decanted and stored at 0° C. until used for film casting.

A polyimide film derived from the above polyamic acid was chemically imidized through the use of a catalytic solution. The chemically imidized film was prepared by casting the polyamic acid solution onto a support sheet of DuPont MYLAR® film. The cast polyamic acid solution (and support sheet) was immersed into a catalytic solution comprising a 1:1 ratio of acetic anhydride and β-picoline. A gel film was formed. The gel film was peeled from the support sheet and transferred to a restraining frame (pin frame).

The gel film was then heated using a forced air oven to further imidize the polymer and remove solvent. The gel film was exposed to the following oven temperatures for about ½ hour at each temperature, 150° C., 250° C., 300° C. and 325° C. The polyimide film was removed from the pin frame and analyzed. The data is shown in Table 1.

Two sheets of the film were laminated between two sheets of 35 um thick treated copper foil in a vacuum platen press at 350 psi. The peel strength data was measured per IPC-TM650 2.4.9d test method. The data at different lamination peak temperatures are shown in Table 1.

Note that not all of the activities described above in the general description or the examples are required, that a portion of a specific activity may not be required, and that further activities may be performed in addition to those described. Still further, the order in which each of the activities are listed are not necessarily the order in which they are performed. After reading this specification, skilled artisans will be capable of determining what activities can be used for their specific needs or desires.

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. All features disclosed in this specification may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose. Accordingly, the specification is to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or element of any or all the claims.

TABLE 1 MD MD MD Tg CTE Tensile Tensile MD EXAMPLE # [tan delta] [50-250° C.] Modulus Strength Elongation 1 BPDA//TFMB 347 11 1289 47 30 2 BPDA//90 TFMB/10 ODA 308.6 9.1 724 32.4 52.2 3 BPDA//80 TFMB/20 ODA 323 15.3 716 37.8 72.7 4 BPDA//70 TFMB/30 ODA 314 15 728 42.73 110.5 5 BPDA//60 TFMB/40 ODA 295.6 15.9 665 38 106 6 BPDA//50 TFMB/50 ODA 288.1 12.6 663 35.5 105 7 BPDA//43 TFMB/57 ODA 8 BPDA//50 TFMB/50 ODA 350 psi 200 psi 9 BPDA//43 TFMB/57 ODA 10 BPDA//50 TFMB/50 ODA 11 BPDA//30 TFMB/70 ODA 12 BPDA//20 TFMB/80 ODA Comp 1 BPDA//ODA 292 31 377 24.9 80 Comp 2 54BPDA/46PMDA//ODA 314 41 425 29 120 Comp 3 PMDA//TFMB 400 −14 1600 72 25 Comp 4 BPDA//50mTOL/50ODA 313 26 687 39 66 Comp 5 20PMDA/80ODPA//RODA 236 >100 516 16.8 71.8 Comp 6 PMDA//ODA Comp 7 60PMDA/40BPDA//40ODA/60PPD 17 90BPDA/10ODPA//TFMB 332.2 10.14 780 39.7 65.1 18 80BPDA/20ODPA//TFMB 321 3.14 720 38.7 60.9 Comp 8 60BPDA/40ODPA//TFMB Could not be made in to a film for testing Comp 9 BPDA//10 TFMB/90 ODA Average Average Average Average peel peel peel peel Dielectric strength at strength at strength at strength at Water Constant 330° C. 350° C. 380° C. 395° C. EXAMPLE # uptake @ 1 kHz (N/mm) (N/mm) (N/mm) (N/mm) 1 0.38 2.77 0.1 1.1 1.4 2 0.42 3.14 1.1 1.6 3 0.73 3.1 1.6 1.9 4 0.844 2.1 2.0 5 0.92 2.0 2.2 6 1 3.28 2.0 7 1.9 at 320° C. 2.7 2.1 8 3.3 3.3 9 2.5 10 11 2.5 3.2 12 1.1 3.2 Comp 1 1.4 3.45 0.2 0.7 Comp 2 1.5 3.3 0.2 0.6 Comp 3 1.59 3.37 0 <0.1 Comp 4 3.2 3.24 0.2 0.7 Comp 5 0.62 3.43 1.6 Comp 6 <0.1 Comp 7 <0.1 17 0.74 3.04 0.5 1.4 18 0.74 2.98 0.9 1.3 Comp 8 Comp 9 0.7 1.6

TABLE 2 MD TD MD TD EXAMPLE Etched Etched Thermal Thermal 7 BPDA//43 TFMB/ −0.125 −0.081 −0.208 −0.183 57 ODA Comp 5 20PMDA/ −0.505 −0.506 −0.588 −0.583 80ODPA// RODA 

What is claimed is:
 1. A circuit board, comprising: a. a first electrically insulating layer having a first side and a second side; b. a first imaged metal layer; c. a first polyimide coverlay comprising a polyimide derived from 80 to 90 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 10 to 20 mole % 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and 100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine; and in direct contact with the first imaged metal layer and exposed areas of the first side of the first electrically insulating layer; wherein an adhesive layer is not present between the first imaged metal layer and the first polyimide coverlay; and wherein the first polyimide coverlay has a peel strength from 0.7 to 2 N/mm, as measured in accordance with IPC-TM-650-2.4.9d, when the first polyimide coverlay is laminated to the first imaged metal layer and exposed areas of the first side of the first electrically insulating layer at a lamination temperature from 340° C. or greater and a pressure from 150 psi (10.55 Kg/cm) to 400 psi (28.13 Kg/cm); wherein the first electrically insulating layer is any electrically insulating material that can withstand the lamination temperature of 340° C. or greater.
 2. The circuit board of claim 1 wherein the first electrically insulating layer comprises from 1 to 55 weight percent of a thermally conductive filler, a dielectric filler or mixtures thereof.
 3. The circuit board of claim 1 wherein the first polyimide coverlay comprises a pigment.
 4. The circuit board of claim 3 wherein the pigment is a low conductivity carbon black present in an amount from 2 to 9 weight percent.
 5. The circuit board of claim 3 wherein the pigment is a non-carbon black pigment present in an amount from 10 to 60 weight percent.
 6. The circuit board of claim 1 wherein the first polyimide coverlay comprises a pigment and a matting agent.
 7. The circuit board of claim 6 wherein the matting agent is polyimide particles.
 8. The circuit board of claim 6 wherein the pigment and the matting agent are both a low conductivity carbon black and the low conductivity carbon black is present in the first polyimide coverlay in an amount from 2 to 20 weight percent.
 9. The circuit board of claim 1 further comprising a second imaged metal layer on the second side of the first electrically insulating layer.
 10. The circuit board of claim 9 further comprising a second polyimide coverlay comprising a polyimide derived from 80 to 90 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 10 to 20 mole % 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and 100 mole 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine and in direct contact with the second imaged metal layer and exposed areas of the second side of the first electrically insulating layer; wherein an adhesive layer is not present between the second imaged metal layer and the second polyimide coverlay; and wherein the second polyimide coverlay has a peel strength from 0.7 to 2 N/mm, as measured in accordance with IPC-TM-650-2.4.9d, when the second polyimide coverlay is laminated to the second imaged metal layer and the exposed areas of the second side of the first electrically insulating layer at a lamination temperature from 340° C. or greater and a pressure from 150 psi (10.55 Kg/cm) to 400 psi (28.13 Kg/cm).
 11. The circuit board of claim 10 wherein the first polyimide coverlay, the second polyimide coverlay or both comprise a pigment.
 12. The circuit board of claim 11 wherein the pigment is a low conductivity carbon black present in an amount from 2 to 9 weight percent.
 13. The circuit board of claim 11 wherein the pigment is a non-carbon black pigment present in an amount from 10 to 60 weight percent.
 14. The circuit board of claim 10 wherein the first polyimide coverlay, the second polyimide coverlay or both comprises a pigment and a matting agent.
 15. The circuit board of claim 14 wherein the matting agent is polyimide particles.
 16. The circuit board of claim 14 wherein the pigment and the matting agent are both a low conductivity carbon black and the low conductivity carbon black is present in the first polyimide coverlay in an amount from 2 to 20 weight percent.
 17. The circuit board of claim 10 wherein the first electrically insulating layer comprises a polyimide derived from i) 80 to 90 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 10 to 20 mole 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and 100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine; ii) 100 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 20 to 90 mole 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine, and 10 to 80 mole % 4,4′-oxydianiline; or iii) 100 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine when laminated at a temperature of 380 or greater.
 18. The circuit board of claim 1 wherein the first electrically insulating layer comprises a polyimide derived from i) 80 to 90 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 10 to 20 mole % 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride and 100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine; ii) 100 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 20 to 90 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine, and 10 to 80 mole % 4,4′-oxydianiline; or iii) 100 mole % 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic dianhydride, 100 mole % 2,2′-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzidine when laminated at a temperature of 380 or greater. 